THE Liverpool Phil has signed a leading female football boss to steer their fortunes during the Capital of Culture celebrations.

Lorraine Rogers, executive chairman of Tranmere Rovers FC, has been appointed the first woman chairman in the orchestra's 166-year history.

The appointment, which is with immediate effect, is for an initial three years.

Ms Rogers, 43, a lawyer by training, has stabilised Tranmere's finances in her eight years at Prenton Park, and attracted more sponsorship as well as a younger fanbase.

The Phil, now in profit for a second year having fought off crippling debts, is hoping she will now bring more private sector backing and a younger audience to Philharmonic Hall.

City council leader Warren Bradley called Ms Rogers' appointment "inspired."

He added: "Her wealth of experience in business, forged in such a frenetic industry as football, will be of immense benefit."

At the Philharmonic she succeeds Roger Lewis, the former Classic FM and ITV Wales boss, who has been appointed group chief executive of Welsh Rugby Union.

Mr Lewis said: "Music and sport have much in common. Both feature immensely talented individuals who play together, and at the Phil Lorraine is certainly joining a winning team."

Liverpool-born Ms Rogers, who attended Formby high school, has a growing arts portfolio.

She is director of Culture Northwest and a trustee of National Museums Liverpool.

She said today: "The Phil is rightly enjoying a renaissance and has great ambition to play an even bigger part in the cultural life of the region."

The Phil's chief executive, Michael Elliott, said: "Those of us working in the arts have an opportunity to learn from the experiences and development in sport."

In November, the Phil appointed Louise Shepherd, chief executive of the Liverpool Women's Hospital Trust, as vice-chairman.

Ms Shepherd had already served for three years on the board of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society. However, Lorraine Rogers has been directly recruited to the Philharmonic's governing body as chairman.